Old Boundary Locations Preserved from the Former Estate Boundaries and their Mythical Symbolism: The Example of Southwest Slovenia

Abstract Old boundary stones and other geodetic marks carved or built from stone can be included in a broader group of manmade stone objects (e.g., bricks of old buildings, millstones, etc.) and structures (e.g., drystone walls, desert kites, etc.) that represent a form of geoheritage. Old boundary stones and other geodetic marks enable detailed geological studies on the type of the stone they are made from, as well as local quarries and stonemasonry practices, especially when they are decorated with carved inscriptions, coats of arms and so on. They also represent geographical, historical and geodetic heritage, as they enable the study of boundary location continuity, changes in local administrative divisions over time (land cadastral municipality, estate, districts, region etc.), as well as the types of boundary marks and survey methods which were used in different periods. With a comparison of the contemporary land cadastral municipality boundaries of Slovenia, which originate on surveys conducted two hundred years ago, with boundaries of former estates that were in use until the end of the 18th century, some locations can be identified as having retained their role as boundary locations for at least five hundred years. In a study area situated in southwest Slovenia, such locations were put in the context of their related mythical narratives. Four locations were identified, all marked by prominent hilltops (Vremščica, Nanos, St Lovrenc and Čuk) in which a large lake that threatens to flood the surrounding area is believed to be located, and some kind of snake or similar monster can be found guarding it. Two of them, mutually visible, were also ritual sites related to the proto-Slavic gods Perun and Mokoš. These findings can help facilitate the promotion of geosites, as well as raise public awareness of the related locations. This can help not only to popularise geodetic marks as a form of cultural heritage, but can even prevent the more recent geodetic marks used in everyday practice from being destroyed due to ignorance.